Question about open-sourcing a private repo without LICENSE file

Hey, r/opensource. I'm in a bit of a conundrum here. I've been developing a hobby SaaS project for a couple of years, and recently made the decision to go the opensource/self-hosted route because I now realize that it's a well-suited way forward for this project.



Anyways, the problem I'm now facing is pretty common - the licensing. The private repo currently sits on github without a LICENSE file, and I basically have 3 choices:

1. Just add a LICENSE file before releasing - As I understand, the previous versions remain copyrighted. If that is correct, and there aren't any downsides to that, I would honestly prefer to go this way. I'm concerned if a fairly recent LICENSE file might be a turnoff for potential contributors/users, or create a loophole for others to steal my project and argue that it was unlicensed.
2. Rewrite the root commit \- I am obviously reluctant. As I understand it would break the previously closed pr's diffs, and github seems to be hard to prune completely, so there would remain both the evidence of a history rewrite, and a dangling github branch's blob without a license
3. Create new repo with all the history squashed into one commit \- While the above issues are mitigated, I feel like an available history of commits is a good thing, and I don't have other reasons to modify the commit history besides the licensing issue. I found a couple instances of good projects that went this way, judging by their initial commits (like glance and lf; although I have to note that those projects became opensource fairly early in their development and haven't lost much of their commit history)

I'm leaning towards the first route, but I wanted to consult here before doing something irreversible. Are there any other implications that I'm missing here? Maybe I'm not seeing an easier way to handle it, or overestimating the adverse effects of the second and third routes. Either way, any advice or story of someone who had a similar problem before is welcome

https://redd.it/1pzleu2
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Should I look for contributors or nah?

I am creating a somewhat large project and finding contributors would be a huge help, both psychologically and in the time of development.

It is a kind of software that a huge number of creative artists would find very useful. An After Effects alternative.

1. Should I even look for contributors or just keep working solo?
2. Where should I find interested contributors?

[UPDATE 1\]: Here's the repository of the application: https://gitlab.com/advanced-effects/advanced-effects and here's the Wiki: https://gitlab.com/advanced-effects/Advanced-Effects/-/wikis/home

https://redd.it/1pzm8om
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FeurStagram: An open-source Instagram android app without distractions

Like many of you, I've struggled with Instagram's addictive feed. I used to rely on *DFInstagram* to block the endless scroll, but it hasn't been maintained for a long time and updating it to newer Instagram versions was a pain.

So I decided to build my own solution: **FeurStagram** \- an open-source project that removes Instagram's addictive features while keeping the essentials (for Android).

The FeurStagram repo is on Github : [https://github.com/jean-voila/FeurStagram](https://github.com/jean-voila/FeurStagram)

# Two ways to use it:

* **Ready-to-install APK :** Just grab the latest patched APK from the GitHub releases and install it. No technical skills needed! DIY Patching Toolkit. You can install the apk file from here : [feurstagram-410-1-0-63-71.apk](https://github.com/jean-voila/FeurStagram/releases/download/v410-1-0-63-71/feurstagram-410-1-0-63-71.apk)
* You can also patch any Instagram version yourself using the included noscripts

# What gets blocked:

* ❌ Feed posts (blocked at network level)
* ❌ Explore tab (redirects to DMs)
* ❌ Reels tab (redirects to DMs)

# What still works:

* ✅ Stories
* ✅ Direct Messages
* ✅ Profile
* ✅ Reels shared in DMs (so you can still view what friends send you, but can't scroll)
* ✅ Search
* ✅ Notifications Why this approach? Unlike DFInstagram which stopped being updated:

**Pre-built APKs available** \- just download and install from releases

**DIY option -** if you want a specific Instagram version, you can patch it yourself

**Future-proof -** when Instagram updates, I'll release the new patched version (or you can patch it yourself)

**I**t's open source, you can see exactly what it does. no shady modifications, just blocks unwanted content

# The toolkit uses two patching strategies:

* **Network-level blocking -** intercepts Instagram's API calls and blocks feed content at the source
* **Tab redirection -** when you tap Explore or Reels, it opens DMs instead The result: Instagram becomes purely a communication tool. You can still message friends, view their stories, check notifications, and use your profile. But no more doomscrolling through the feed, no explore rabbit holes, no endless reels.

Would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.



https://redd.it/1pzp1ct
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Kriti Images - Open source alt to Cloudflare Images now supports URL based images
https://kritiimages.com

https://redd.it/1pzm46y
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poly-mcp/Polymcp: Polymcp provides a simple and efficient way to interact with MCP servers using custom agents
https://github.com/poly-mcp/Polymcp

https://redd.it/1pzk32k
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AI, Noted: An AI note-taking app based on audio

I have created an application on github where a user can upload audio clips, and it would be transcribed by Google's STT API. Through this, notes can be provided in 5 different formats. These notes are downloadable, allowing for future reference.

Future improvements that I am looking to have

* Improve the UX of the buttons of the program
* Ensure less wait-time when transcribing audio
* Incorporate functionality to convert any audio file, not just a `.wav`
* Add accessibility features
* Make a login system for notes to be saved on the internet, without the user having to download it.

I would be willing to take any feedback from this, and also some potential contributors will be great!

[https://github.com/ackshatiwari/AI-Noted](https://github.com/ackshatiwari/AI-Noted)

https://redd.it/1pzts7s
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Android editing app
https://github.com/FabioSilva11/Apk-Editor-Plus/

https://redd.it/1pzv9l7
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Advocating Open-Source to Non-Technical Readers
https://chris-besch.com/articles/open_source

https://redd.it/1pzw2ws
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Advocating Open-Source to Non-Technical Readers
https://chris-besch.com/articles/open_source

https://redd.it/1pzw2ws
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Tool Open source audiobook file manager — Bind, Split, Convert, Fix

Built a desktop tool for managing audiobook collections that runs entirely offline.



FEATURES

• Bind scattered audio files into single M4B containers with chapters

• Split large audiobook files back into chapters (lossless)

• Batch convert formats with metadata preservation

• Optional metadata fetch from Audnexus/Audible/Open Library

• Fix Apple bookmarking issues (32-bit atom bug)



TECH STACK

Electron + React + TypeScript + FFmpeg



PRIVACY

• All processing happens locally

• Zero telemetry

• No account required

• Network access only for optional metadata



SOURCE

https://github.com/Zendevve/audiobook-toolkit



License: GPL-3.0 + Commons Clause (open source, no reselling)



Screenshots are in the README. Feedback welcome.



https://redd.it/1pzvtng
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Endpoint State Policy (ESP): Policy as Code
https://github.com/scanset/Endpoint-State-Policy

https://redd.it/1q005zf
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Anonymous but tracked survey?

One of the things severely holding back industrial innovation is the lack of transparency around where the costs are. However, most companies are not willing to release information on their costs.
Is there a way to have a number of companies who operate the same plants submit data and then anonymise it, or is the act of collecting the data inherently non-anonymous (like when you fill out a company employee satisfaction survey)?
I ask this here as I want to make this data open source and build open source models that are validated with this data.

https://redd.it/1pzvjb6
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Contributors welcomed: A hacking simulator game powered by web technology.
https://github.com/mental-os/Aurora-OS.js

https://redd.it/1pzzxms
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Release Nebulo V2.0 - A Completely Free & Open-Source iOS IPTV Player with a Dedicated Sports Center and Multi-View!

Hey everyone!

I’m excited to share a massive update to Nebulo, an IPTV player built specifically for iOS and iPadOS. I started this project because I was tired of IPTV apps that were either filled with ads, required monthly subnoscriptions, or looked like they were designed in 2005.

The Nebulo Promise: Free & Open Source Forever First things first: Nebulo is 100% Free and Open Source. No "Pro" versions, no hidden subnoscriptions, and no tracking. I believe a tool this essential should be accessible to everyone. You can audit the code, build it yourself, or contribute to it on GitHub. It is—and will always be—community-first.

# ⚽ The Sports Center

What really separates Nebulo from every other player on the App Store is the Sports Center.

We all know the struggle of IPTV: you have 5,000 channels and you’re frantically scrolling through "UK - Sports," "US - Sports," and "BeIN" just to find where the 3:00 PM kickoff is playing.

Nebulo fixes this. The Sports Center includes a Powerful Game Search Engine. Instead of hunting for a channel, you find the game or event in the sports center which is pulled directly from ESPN's API. When you click on the match, Nebulo’s logic automatically scans your EPG and categories to bring up the best stream for that specific game. It turns a 5-minute search into a 2-second tap.

# 🎨 Your App, Your Look (Customizability)

Most players give you a "Dark Mode" and call it a day. Nebulo features a stunning Glassmorphism UI with:

Nebula Backgrounds: Dynamic, breathing colors that make the app feel alive.

Custom Photo Backgrounds: You can upload any photo from your camera roll, apply a custom blur, and make the UI truly yours.

Adaptive Layouts: Whether you’re on a Pro Max or an iPad with a Sidebar, the UI scales perfectly.

# 📺 Power-User Features:

Multi-View Mode: Watch up to 4 streams at once in a 2x2 grid. Perfect for Sunday Football or keeping an eye on multiple news cycles.

AVKit Integration: Built on Apple’s native framework, meaning it’s incredibly battery-efficient and supports native Smart Picture-in-Picture (PiP).

Quick Switcher: Surf through your channel list without ever leaving the current stream.

# 📥 How to get it

Nebulo requires a valid Xtream Codes API subnoscription. Since this is an open-source project, you can install it by downloading the IPA from the GitHub Releases tab and sideloading it via AltStore, SideStore, or TrollStore.

Check out the code and the release **here**

I’m constantly looking to improve the app. If you have questions about how the Sports Center logic works or have feature requests, drop a comment below!

https://redd.it/1pzzk9k
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Is there any music player for Android to play files from google drive?

Hi, im looking for player which can play audio from google drive?

Ive tried cutemusic and fossify music player - they both cant add google drive folder as library folder

https://redd.it/1q0815q
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Repolyze: Repository Analyzer

Hi everyone,

I have built a python library Repolyze. It is a Python CLI tool that analyzes a code repository's directory structure and contents to generate comprehensive statistics. It scans files and directories, respects .gitignore rules, and reports metrics such as file counts, directory depth, file sizes, file types, language usage, modification times, and repository hygiene. The tool outputs results in both human-readable and JSON formats, making it useful for developers seeking quick insights into their project's composition and health.

It is in its nascent stages, and I would like your feedback and suggestions on improving it further.

Link to library attached here.

Thanks

https://redd.it/1q0951x
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🔐 desktop‑2fa — a small step toward user autonomy

I built desktop‑2fa because I don’t like the idea that basic security tools depend on phones, clouds, or closed ecosystems.

This project is intentionally simple:
an offline, transparent, auditable 2FA authenticator that stores everything locally, uses open standards, and exposes all logic in plain code.

No telemetry.
No external services.
No vendor lock‑in.
Just a tool you can inspect, verify, and modify.

The goal isn’t to compete with anything — it’s to give people one more option that respects autonomy and doesn’t ask for trust it hasn’t earned.

Repo: https://github.com/wrogistefan/desktop-2fa

https://redd.it/1q0c5la
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SwiftRun A Superfast Run Dialog for Windows 11 Made with Rust

the old, outdated Run Dialog was making me crazy with the inconsistency with the ancient UI and the "new" upcoming one is based on Winui3 so it's super slow as a instant run dialog, so i made mine with Rust + Win32 API

hami3d/SwiftRun: A Blazing Fast Windows 11 Run Dialog Written in Rust.

P.S Windows Defender may pickup on the .exe files as unknown publisher because i didn't buy any Code Signing Certificates.

Your Feedback, Issues and PR's requests will be appreciated :)

https://redd.it/1q0cvvg
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Is there an alternative to the Instagram DM’s

I downloaded all my Instagram DMs since the in-app search option sometimes doesn’t seem to work. Is there any open-source software available that lets me read those messages in a clear and structured way? Is there also a possibility to download and (manually) input some reels which were sent in the chat? Thanks!

https://redd.it/1q0eznt
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Ara Testnet is live

Hey guys, it's my solo-dev project that I'm working on for over a year. It's open-source, and free app for open-source projects to make them sustainable project.

Right now, for the new year released a version. And need open-source guys feedback. And more importantly is it interesting to you after all.

Showcase: https://youtu.be/daBZkiKarI8
App: https://ara.foundation/

The version has signup, adding your project, but no payment. While uses the testnet version.

Also, happy new year!

https://redd.it/1q0g2nl
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Advocacy for the Open Source University

Hi! I discovered the Open Source Society University (OSSU) during the Christmas holidays, and I am totally fascinated by it, the idea of collecting and organizing open, free, and publicly available courses into the equivalent of an undergraduate program.

I’m writing to encourage our community to help expand this movement by creating similar collections for other fields, such as engineering and the natural sciences. There is already plenty of high-quality, free, and openly available learning material in these areas; it simply needs to be curated and structured in the same way OSSU has done for computer science.



https://redd.it/1q0dj83
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